Bills · HR 5745
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5745Environmental assessment, monitoring, researchOil and gas
Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act
INTRO OCT 14· LAST ACTION JAN 13
READING
13MIN
COSPONSORS
6BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it offers a practical solution to the growing issue of aging offshore oil and gas infrastructure. Instead of these structures being a liability or a costly removal project, this bill proposes transforming them into valuable marine habitats. This could lead to healthier ocean ecosystems, supporting fish populations and the livelihoods of those who depend on fishing.
If this bill becomes law, it could mean more vibrant fishing grounds and more diverse marine life in areas where oil and gas operations once dominated. If it doesn't pass, many of these structures would likely be fully removed, losing their existing, albeit unintended, role as habitat, and potentially incurring higher costs without the added environmental benefit of planned reef creation.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Allows certain offshore oil and gas platforms, pipelines, and associated equipment to be converted into artificial reefs.
This provision creates a formal, legal pathway to repurpose industrial infrastructure for environmental and ecological benefit.
PROVISION 02
Amends the National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984 to include new definitions related to artificial reefs, inactive structures, and the process of 'Reefing in Place'.
It provides a clear legal framework and common understanding for the types of structures, methods, and responsibilities involved in creating artificial reefs from old infrastructure.
PROVISION 03
Establishes a process for an 'Applicant' (the company responsible for an inactive structure) to submit a 'Notice of Intent to Reef' and initiates an assessment by the Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, in consultation with NOAA.
This ensures that proposed reef conversions are formally reviewed for their suitability, environmental impact, and economic benefits before approval.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 6
R· Mississippi
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
29
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 67%
DEM 4 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTSJAN 13
Subcommittee Hearings Held
JAN 7
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
OCT 14
Introduced in House
OCT 14
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5745
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedOct 14, 2025
Last actionJan 13, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED OCT 14, 2025
House BillHR 5745Environmental assessment, monitoring, researchOil and gas
Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act
INTRODUCED OCT 14, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 13, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
13 min
COSPONSORS
6
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
